Last week I had the opportunity to host two groups of visitors: a group of community policing leaders from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and a delegation of foreign exchange students from Iwata, Japan. I enjoyed meeting all the guests and the conversations we had about the many changes and challenges in our communities.
We discussed the impact of increased diversity and convergence of cultural values, critical budget issues facing government agencies, and the continuing need for citizen services for community safety and emergency response. We brainstormed ideas for how technology can help.
Despite the severe economic and environmental challenges, both groups were optimistic about our future and the potential for technology to play a positive role.
Today’s educators are facing seemingly insurmountable challenges:
Demands for greater accountabiliy based on high stakes assessments
Increasing focus on differentiated instruction and student mastery of content knowledge
Greater awarness of the importance of 21st century skills (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity)
Requirements to address all of the above in an environment of declining resources
In spite of these daunting challenges, innovative educators are successfully utilizing collaborative solutions in creative ways to improve outcomes for students and provide them with the skills to compete effectively in the 21st century. As a result, it is becoming increasingly clear that professional development that prepares educators to effectively integrate technology into pedagogy and curricula is an essential element of holistic education improvement initiatives.
Last year, we hosted a free WebEx with adventurer Bear Grylls. He talked to us from his home in Wales and he talked about his experience climbing Mt Everest. He spoke of the thrill, the challenges and the deaths of his climbing mates as he reached for the summit. It was fascinating.
Now we are headed back to Mt Everest, but this time it’s personal. Read More »
“Embrace change, experiment and leverage,” says Carlos Dominguez Senior Vice President at Cisco, in order for you and your business to stay relevant. In the latest episode of Talk2Cisco Carlos is joined by Lance Perry, Vice President of Information Technology at Cisco. In this information packed, lively discussion, Carlos and Lance talk about how to incorporate new technologies into your everyday work flow. Both share personal experiences around how and why new tools have changed their lives for the better.
Below are a few of the highlights from the broadcast. Feel free to post a question for Carlos or Lance…I’ll be sure they get it. Or you can reach out to Carlos directly on Twitter @carlosdominguez.
Talk2Cisco Recap: Work Life Redesign -- What You Need to Know
2:09 The benefits of new tools
8:27 Adoption of new technologies
12:45 Making the cultural shift
22:53 Moving away from email
30:05 Closing thoughts on making new technology work for you
More about Talk2Cisco:
Talk2Cisco is a live, real-time, social, interactive, online video broadcast featuring Cisco leaders, as well as other leaders in the tech and business industries, answering questions submitted by you, the viewer. Using UStream, Talk2Cisco puts you directly in touch with the source of the information, covers topics of interest to you and connects you with others who follow Cisco business and technology. Join the conversation and be in the know …now.
Last week I had the opportunity to host two groups of visitors: a group of community policing leaders from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and a delegation of foreign exchange students from Iwata, Japan. I enjoyed meeting all the guests and the conversations we had about the many changes and challenges in our communities.
